Havoc ensues when Tom's big brother receives a science kit for his birthday. He then goes out and gets a goldfish for a school science project. He putHavoc ensues when Tom's big brother receives a science kit for his birthday. He then goes out and gets a goldfish for a school science project. He puts the fish in a fishbowl and drops in a whole bunch of toxic gunk. Tom and his friend Pradeep try to rescue the goldfish by zapping it with a battery. The fish does indeed come back to life but is now a Zombie Goldfish with the power to hypnotize people.

Hazel Greene lives in the Moody Building. The same building that Victor Frogg, local town mayor and eventual Prime Minister, is born and raised in. EvHazel Greene lives in the Moody Building. The same building that Victor Frogg, local town mayor and eventual Prime Minister, is born and raised in. Every year there is a Frogg Parade to celebrate Victor Frogg. Hazel learns that a long time ago one of the most important parts of the parade was the float and children from the Moody Building. For some reason children are no longer allowed to participate.

Hazel, being full of spunk, submits an application for a float and is approved, much to Mr. Winkler's chagrin. With the help of her friends a float is built and the children rejoin the parade.

Lyla is starting a new school. Like any kid she is nervous and very grateful when she meets Jaime, a fellow new student and they become fast friends.Lyla is starting a new school. Like any kid she is nervous and very grateful when she meets Jaime, a fellow new student and they become fast friends. She discovers that her new school has the same social divisions her old one did: the jocks, nerds, tough kids and arty ones. There, of course, was also the clique table. The girls who sat there called it the celebrity table. These 3 girls were the schools queen bees and they made sure everyone knew it.

These girls didn't have much use for Lyla until she showed them her killer gymnastics moves and made the cheer leading squad. Then they swooped in and gave her a make-over so that she was a bit more acceptable to them. Then came the downside: they loved to make fun of people online. It extended to Lyla's best friend, Jamie. Lyla knew it was wrong, but she's finally popular and chooses to not say anything.

As the Fall term winds down and it comes time to test the students mid-term achievements a test goes missing from the testing closet. When Lyla comes up with the best test score, even though she's done well all year long, she is accused of the theft and cheating. She becomes the target of the bullying that she was silent about earlier. And there's nothing she can do about it.

It's Jaime that finally rescues her. He saw one of the uber popular girls take the test and turns her in.

The book sends the expected message and does so in a tween storytelling way so that it is accessible to young readers. Not recommended for under 3rd grade as it's not a fun story and is rather long for picture book form....more

Stanley Lambchop finds himself, once again, flat. This time he's frustrated. He's actually tired of being flat. It's not fun anymore. He does get to gStanley Lambchop finds himself, once again, flat. This time he's frustrated. He's actually tired of being flat. It's not fun anymore. He does get to go sailing with Mr. Jones. But when one of the main sails break, Mr. Jones asks Stanley to step in for the missing sail. Thusly Mr. Jones' boat wins the race.

Meanwhile, due to Stanley's renewed notoriety, his brother Arthur becomes jealous. Why can't he have his picture in the paper once in a while?

Then the Merker building, which is scheduled for destruction, falls down on its own, trapping a young girl inside. Stanley's the only one who can squeeze in to get her. His parents aren't thrilled about the idea, but after some emotional wrangling, he's allowed to help.

When Stanley finds his way to the trapped girl he finds that she is none to grateful for his help and does nothing but criticize and complain. Once they are outside Stanley expects much different behavior from Emma, but is sadly disappointed. However Stanley overlooks this as he's overjoyed to have suddenly regained his shape!

He get's his picture in the paper, again, but this time with his whole family. Arthur takes great delight in cutting out the picture and labeling himself as the "Hero's brother!"

This book is definitely old-fashioned in such a way that contemporary readers will question the ridiculousness of some plot-points. For example, readers may find it impossible that a young girl would have survived a building collapse with no injuries what-so-ever. Also, mention of a cigarette case being used as a container for juice will raise some eyebrows....more

The first in a quartet, Gerald Morris brings us The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great. The first in The Knight's Tales, each chapter is a differentThe first in a quartet, Gerald Morris brings us The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great. The first in The Knight's Tales, each chapter is a different adventure experienced by Sir Lancelot. Young adventurers will thrill at knights, dragons, damsel's in distress and sword battles.

A humorous, environmental retelling of Cinderella taking place in the woods and the characters portrayed as Bigfeet. A bit corny and some of the languA humorous, environmental retelling of Cinderella taking place in the woods and the characters portrayed as Bigfeet. A bit corny and some of the language and innuendos will go right over kids heads, but it's a great book for 2nd/3rd graders....more

Jake lives in a house that belonged to his grandparents before his parents took over the farm. Billy, his grandfather lives with them. He was born onJake lives in a house that belonged to his grandparents before his parents took over the farm. Billy, his grandfather lives with them. He was born on the same land, in a sod house. The sod house doesn't exist anymore, except for a piece of a corner wall. But Billy has hopes of rebuilding the house with Jake's help. He hopes it will be a bonding experience.

Before they can start on the sod house, before Jake decides he really wants to do this with his grandfather, Billy becomes very ill. While he's in the hospital, Jake and 2 of his siblings decide to build the house for him as a surprise. And what a surprise it is....more

Strange and unusual things happen to Archie everyday. When he saves a girl from a car covered in gravel he meets Cyd. Cyd is amazed at the adventuresStrange and unusual things happen to Archie everyday. When he saves a girl from a car covered in gravel he meets Cyd. Cyd is amazed at the adventures Archie has just by being himself and begs to tag along anytime Archie goes anywhere. It may be all fun and games for Archie and Cyd, but his mother gets quite frustrated when nothing she asks him to do gets done....more

An easy chapter book, 3rd in a series about 2 dogs who live next door to each other. Their people decide to take a vacation together to a dude ranch,An easy chapter book, 3rd in a series about 2 dogs who live next door to each other. Their people decide to take a vacation together to a dude ranch, taking the dogs with them. At the ranch the dogs meet a ranch dog who's life if very different from their own. Hilarity ensues as the city dogs meet coyotes, deal with cows and encounter barking squirrels....more

Earwig has lived in the orphanage since she was a baby and she has absolutely no desire to leave. Every adoption day she tries to make herself as unapEarwig has lived in the orphanage since she was a baby and she has absolutely no desire to leave. Every adoption day she tries to make herself as unappealing as possible. But it doesn't work the day Bella Yaga shows up looking for an extra pair of hands. Earwig has no choice.

She's determined to make the best of a bad situation. She lobbies for Bella Yaga to teach her magic, but the witch refuses. So Earwig makes life miserable for the resident Mandrake (demon) who then demands that Bella Yaga teach the child.

Throw in funny mishaps and a talking cat and you've got a great family read-aloud....more

A funny tale of 5 rare breed sheep believing that a cell phone, fallen from the sky, is an omen meant for a mystical "high sheep." When in actuality,A funny tale of 5 rare breed sheep believing that a cell phone, fallen from the sky, is an omen meant for a mystical "high sheep." When in actuality, it's a phone used by thieves to steal money out of accounts into their own.

Due to his parents being away, Jesse is spending the summer with his cousin Daisy and his aunt and uncle. It proves to be an exciting summer when JessDue to his parents being away, Jesse is spending the summer with his cousin Daisy and his aunt and uncle. It proves to be an exciting summer when Jesse stumbles on a Thunder Egg; an egg that hatches a dragon! But Jesse and Daisy are no the only ones excited to see little Emerald the dragon. There are sinister plots around to steal the dragon for nefarious purposes.

A cute, humorous story about a grade level up from the Magic Tree House books. A good elementary age fantasy....more

This novel sure begins with a bang! Readers meet Cara and her grandmother as they are being pursued into the bell tower of a church, and over the sideThis novel sure begins with a bang! Readers meet Cara and her grandmother as they are being pursued into the bell tower of a church, and over the side of the building into.....

Cara wakes to find herself in a strange land surrounded by strange creatures. One of those strange creatures is a unicorn. She can even communicate with him! Then Cara remembers that her grandmother sent her with an amulet and told Cara to make sure it got into the hands of The Old One. Cara also must tell her that "the Wanderer is weary."

It's long and arduous journey. Cara meets many creatures along the way and make new friends as well.

I truly enjoyed the storyline. My only problem is the writing style. Bruce Coville is such a prolific author. I expected better writing. It seemed quite juvenile....more

Heart is an orphan. She only knows that she was found next to a river, wrapped in an expensive blanket. She lives with Simon Pratt, an old man who gleHeart is an orphan. She only knows that she was found next to a river, wrapped in an expensive blanket. She lives with Simon Pratt, an old man who gleans left over wheat from the Lords fields. Whatever money she makes she must turn over to him.

One day Heart comes upon a wounded horse wandering around in the fields. Simon demands she bring the mare home so that he can sell her to the soapmaker. Heart convinces him to let her fatten the horse up and heal her so that she'll be worth more. Heart secretly hopes to find a way to keep the horse.

Then the mare gives birth to a misshapen foal. Things get serious now. Simon sees dollar signs and Heart is even more determined to keep them both safe.

A well-written series that will be especially popular with young girls....more

In this sequel to the Year of the Book, Anna Wang is enjoying a new baby sister adopted from China. But she's also having a hard time in school. WhatIn this sequel to the Year of the Book, Anna Wang is enjoying a new baby sister adopted from China. But she's also having a hard time in school. What should her science project be? She's been invited to do a project with Allison, Lucy, Laura and Camille but she doesn't want to do the project with the already determined outcome.

She decides to go it alone but soon Camille and Laura joined her. Camille saved the day by coming up with the idea to make Anna's new baby sister their science project. Kaylee, the baby, is not thriving. She's losing weight and she must gain or the doctors are going to do something drastic. The girls noticed that Kaylee would often eat more if someone was singing to her. They developed an theory, hypothesis and charted it all out. Not only did they get Kaylee to gain weight, but their project was recommended for the state fair!

Anna Wang's saving grace is that she loves to read. Reading is her sanctuary from life when she's not getting along with her mother, realizing her friAnna Wang's saving grace is that she loves to read. Reading is her sanctuary from life when she's not getting along with her mother, realizing her friend Laura doesn't want to be her friend anymore and navigating the complexities of Chinese school.

Why does her mother have to be so foreign? Why does Laura have to be friends with Allison? Why does she have to learn to speak and read Chinese? Many of these troubles will resonate with tweens and girls will enjoy reading how calm and kind Anna deals with the changes in her life.

A truly enjoyable book. However there is some confusion as to why Laura, the friend, is hanging out with Allison, the school Mean Girl. The jacket cover leads readers to believe that Anna and Laura were once BFF's, but there is no explanations as to what happened....more

Skilley is a cheese-loving, non-mouse eating cat who finds the perfect home at The Cheshire Cheese Inn, an inn famous for it's cheese. He quickly makeSkilley is a cheese-loving, non-mouse eating cat who finds the perfect home at The Cheshire Cheese Inn, an inn famous for it's cheese. He quickly makes a deal with the local mice: they provide him with cheese and Skilley keeps them from danger. But then Pinch, a nasty, mean alley cat shows up and trouble ensues.

Theadora is a very regimented duck. She enjoys her life and the structure she keeps in it. Then one day a duck of a different color moves in next doorTheadora is a very regimented duck. She enjoys her life and the structure she keeps in it. Then one day a duck of a different color moves in next door. He's a bit different. He has lots of strange sculpturs in his yard. He plays terrible music and doesn't fix a broken window! What kind of duck is this?

Theadora makes him a cake and tries to be friendly. When she arrives, this duck doesn't say a word; just grabs her and drags her to a picnic table where he finally introduces himself as Chad. Theadora finds that this duck has no manners at all! He only talks about himself and scratches his head with a fork!

Theadora decides that the two of them can never be friends. Her only hope for peace is when Chad flys south for the winter. Alas. He decides to stay... Now what?

While gazing at the stars one night, Chad invites her to use his telescope and the two quickly become fast friends. While they are in town one day, both overhear another duck say "what an odd duck." Each duck assumes they must be referring to the other duck and a disagreement ensues.

Such a charming book from classic children's author Viorst and award-winning children's illustrator Smith.

Lulu wants a dinosaur for a pet. A BrontosauSuch a charming book from classic children's author Viorst and award-winning children's illustrator Smith.

Lulu wants a dinosaur for a pet. A Brontosaurus to be exact. She even sings a song about it. After many requests, many including very emotional temper tantrums and her parents still! refusing, Lulu decides to go get a Brontosaurus all by herself.

Lo and behold, she finds one! Only... he doesn't want to be *her* pet; he wants her to be *his* pet! Lulu is sure he must be kidding. A pet does not have a person. A person has a pet. Even after throwing a very loud temper tantrum, Lulu still finds herself the pet of a Brontosaurus.

Eventually she becomes quite sad at the thought of never seeing her parents again. She begs and pleads for her freedom. Finally she resorts to running away. When she reaches her house she finds the dinosaur waiting for her. How did that happen?! He is very upset that she ran away. BUT he understands that she can't be his pet. However Lulu needs to understand the he can't be her pet.

Agreeing to part ways the dinosaur and Lulu go their separate ways.

Wait!

The narrator doesn't like that ending. Another ending is invented. And another......more

Stuey Lewis is starting 2nd grade this year. He's really nervous because he still can't read that well and his best friend Will, is a reading machine.Stuey Lewis is starting 2nd grade this year. He's really nervous because he still can't read that well and his best friend Will, is a reading machine. When he gets to school and finds out that this year they are going to have 6th grade reading buddies he feels quite sick. But he eventually learns that not everyone is a great reader to begin with and everyone has to work at it.

September turns into October and it's time for Stuey's favorite time of the year: Halloween!! Stuey loves candy more than anything else on the planet! And this year he's got a fantastic plan to get as much candy as he possibly can on Halloween. But can he get Will, his brother Anthony and Anthony's best friend Steven to go along with him. Maybe...maybe not...

Soccer is the next step in the school year and Stuey isn't so sure he wants to join. See, his brother Anthony has always been the soccer star. Stuey doesn't think he'll ever be that good. Finally he decides he wants to play soccer but there isn't any room on any of the teams! No worries, there's a new team, the Cheverolets! Wait... It's mostly girls! Can he make this work?

Finally the end of school is near. Stuey's not sure how he feels about this as this has been the most enjoyable school year yet. He vows not to go for the last day of school. But when his teacher asks him specially to stick it out, he decides it might not be all that horrible. Especially now that he knows he'll have the same teacher next year.

A fun, quick read. My only real issue is that the teacher seems to be a bigger part of Stuey's life than his mother. But maybe that's the modus operandi for this book/series....more

Lulu is animal crazy. She brings home every stray she encounters. This includes insects, worms and mice. Her father's motto is "ask your mother." HerLulu is animal crazy. She brings home every stray she encounters. This includes insects, worms and mice. Her father's motto is "ask your mother." Her mother always says "the more the merrier as long as Lulu cleans up after them."

During a school day at the park Lulu and her class observe 2 large dogs running rampant in "Duck Street." It's an area of the park, next to the lake, where the duck have made their homes and nests. When the dogs go careening through they ruin all of the nests and break most of the eggs. Lulu, however, finds one unbroken egg. She sneaks it home and her cousin Mellie helps her keep it safe. When the duckling hatches Lulu finds that she has a entire new set of problems.

Marty Mcguire is not a girly-girl. She loves to climb trees and play with frogs. So when Marty finds herself cast as the princess in the school's versMarty Mcguire is not a girly-girl. She loves to climb trees and play with frogs. So when Marty finds herself cast as the princess in the school's version of "The Frog Prince" she's baffled. But Marty finds a way to make the show her own while learning a valuable lesson at the same time.

Buddy is ecstatically happy with her boy. He throws her ball, chases her and gives her kisses. But one day her boy is very sad and they leave their hoBuddy is ecstatically happy with her boy. He throws her ball, chases her and gives her kisses. But one day her boy is very sad and they leave their house with lots of stuff in the car. Buddy is left with a little old lady who's nice enough but is not her boy.

Buddy is not happy in her new home. No one plays with her or scratches her ear. And she gets yelled at a lot. Buddy breaks out of her new home and goes looking for her boy.

In the meantime, Mark, the mayor's son, has been bugging and bugging his mother the mayor to let him have a dog. She will not budge on her NO! Mark decides that he should help his friends who all have dogs (except one is a cat who thinks he's a dog) lobby the town council to build a dog park. The group of friends gets together and they paint signs and come up with a slogan to chant. But all is not great with Mark. The group has elected him to be the one who speaks to the town council. AGH!

Back to Buddy. She's been wandering around town trying to find her boy. She's having no luck. And she keeps getting yelled at and "shooed." When the parade of dogs, cat, boys and girls goes marching by, Buddy is intrigued and comes out from her hiding space to march with them. She marches right into the basement of the church where the meeting is held. She then comes face-to-face with Fido, the large orange-marmalade cat who thinks he's a dog. Fido doesn't take kindly to dogs who don't show him proper respect. He swats at Buddy's nose and sends her flying out the door. He chases her and everyone follows.

Will Buddy ever find her boy? Or even a new home where she will be happy? Will Mark ever get his own dog? You'll have to read to find out....more

Cinderella's real name is Josephine-Kathryn Smith. She got her nickname because she has a tendency to lose one shoe out of each pair. When school begiCinderella's real name is Josephine-Kathryn Smith. She got her nickname because she has a tendency to lose one shoe out of each pair. When school begins she finds that her friends from last year have decided not to include her this year. Confused, Cinderella is pleased when the new girl seeks her out for advice on step-sisters. Cinderella isn't sure she can help, but she tries none the less.

Cinderella gains a new friend but loses one of her tap shoes. She has been given the staring role in the upcoming fall dance recital. But if she can't find that other tap shoe, the part will be given to someone else. Cinderella looks everywhere but is unable to locate her shoe. Then magically it appears in a former friends vehicle. Hmmm? Accident of conspiracy? ...more

Bad Kitty's family is leaving for a trip. Bad Kitty will stay home with Puppy and Uncle Murray until the family returns. And they promised to bring aBad Kitty's family is leaving for a trip. Bad Kitty will stay home with Puppy and Uncle Murray until the family returns. And they promised to bring a surprise!

Well, Kitty doesn't like strangers. He takes a particular dislike to Uncle Murray. The next few days are going to be hard on Uncle Murray as Kitty manages to get in the way everywhere and anywhere he's looking. Eventually Kitty becomes so freaked out that he heads out the front door. Of course Uncle Murray gives chase. As does every other cat in the neighborhood. What follows is a hilarious ode to pet sitters everywhere.

Oh, and that surprise for kitty? You'll have to wait and see in the new book!...more

Bad Kitty had a hard enough time when the Dog moved into the house. Now there's a new surprise. What is it? It smells, acts and looks a lot like Dog.Bad Kitty had a hard enough time when the Dog moved into the house. Now there's a new surprise. What is it? It smells, acts and looks a lot like Dog. It must be another dog! Oh, no! Calm down, it's actually a baby!

When the other kitties are invited over to meet the new "dog" they decide she is actually another cat. In honor of the new "cat" they hold the pussycat olympics! The olympic games include staring, eating, stinking and chattering. The new "cat" wins them all!

Eventually Bad Kitty begins to like the new baby and protects her from horrible things like a bath. Could be a good thing...